Small Differences

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee." - Marian Wright Edelman

 

There are so many problems in the world, how do we begin to make a dent in fixing them? It's so easy to become discouraged when we think about how much there is to do and how little there is to do it with.

 

But we can do something. If we can't afford to give $100 to charity, $10 is better than nothing. If we can't volunteer our time every week, even a few hours a year helps. And if enough of us act this way, we can change the world.

 

Every day I can do something to better the world, even if it's just offering a kind word to someone who needs it. Each one of us can make a difference. Through combined effort we can make a change.

 

In a book I've read, 'The Spirit of Kaizen' by Robert Maurer, he talks about creating lasting excellence one small step at a time.  People often fear change.  It can be daunting and overwhelming.  This is because culture loves the idea of revolutionary and immediate change. It has to be big, and it has to happen this very instant.  That's a tall demand. Efforts often fail because the thought of radical and massive change sets off our brain's fear response system and shuts down our ability to think clearly and creatively.

 

The art of Kaizen is based on taking small doable steps toward improvement. Small tasks or events cause minimal stress and often no fear. One tiny change after another tiny change, followed by another tiny change and so on, will eventually take you to your goal. One small step at a time.

 

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." - Lao Tzu

 

In another book I've read 'Good To Great' by Jim Collins, he talks about the power that comes in the form of incremental steps. "Going from good to great comes about by a cumulative process, step-by-step, action-by-action, decision-by-decision, turn-by-turn."

 

Contribute to making a difference no matter how big or small.

 

Make today great!

 

Curtis

 

"Everyone can do simple things to make a difference, and every little bit really does count." - Stella McCartney